RE Agents are slow to (or don't) call back

General Real Estate Investing
7yFollow

RE Agents are slow to (or don't) call back

Andre' Arceneaux
Rental Property Investor · Orange County, CA · Member since 2019 · 151 posts · 92 votes

I notice that about 70% of the calls/emails (I tend to do both with properties I'm interested in) I send out to RE Agents go unreturned, is this typical?? Should I (what I planned on doing anyway) send mailers to owners so they can see offers for themselves???? Or is another approach (something I may be missing) warranted???

0Reply
95 views

Most Popular Reply

Chris MasonPro Member
Moderator
Lender · CA · Member since 2015 · 9k+ posts · 10k+ votes
7y

This is speculation, but...

If your voicemail says "Hi I'm a real estate investor interested in 123 Main St and have a few questions," what an experienced/cynical Realtor hears is "Hi, I'd like to waste your sellers time with an unrealistic lowball offer, I'd like you to do all the work on both ends of the transaction, and I'd like to ask you to cut your commission since I'm not working with a Realtor, but will still need all the normal handholding." I'm not saying that I personally agree with that cynical interpretation, it just is what it is.

If you want to present an offer, and don't have a Realtor, write it up in an email outlining your offer and send it. Their code of ethics requires them to present all written offers, unless the seller has specifically said "I don't want to see offers with characteristic X." 

If you legit do have questions that you'd like answered before writing an offer, I'd suggest using a buyer's agent.

6Reply
See this reply in the discussion

10 Replies

Jump to latestLatest
  • Angal Faria
    DUBAI · Member since 2019 · 23 posts · 1 vote
    7y

    I think the agent was busy and so that he didn't call back quickly.

    0Reply
  • Andre' Arceneaux
    OP
    Rental Property Investor · Orange County, CA · Member since 2019 · 151 posts · 92 votes
    7y

    @Angal Faria I didn't infer a timeframe, I mean .. AT ALL. As in .. literally, no call back at all. Days, weeks, all the same.

    0Reply
  • Chris MasonPro Member
    Moderator
    Lender · CA · Member since 2015 · 9k+ posts · 10k+ votes
    7y

    This is speculation, but...

    If your voicemail says "Hi I'm a real estate investor interested in 123 Main St and have a few questions," what an experienced/cynical Realtor hears is "Hi, I'd like to waste your sellers time with an unrealistic lowball offer, I'd like you to do all the work on both ends of the transaction, and I'd like to ask you to cut your commission since I'm not working with a Realtor, but will still need all the normal handholding." I'm not saying that I personally agree with that cynical interpretation, it just is what it is.

    If you want to present an offer, and don't have a Realtor, write it up in an email outlining your offer and send it. Their code of ethics requires them to present all written offers, unless the seller has specifically said "I don't want to see offers with characteristic X." 

    If you legit do have questions that you'd like answered before writing an offer, I'd suggest using a buyer's agent.

    6Reply
  • Angal Faria
    DUBAI · Member since 2019 · 23 posts · 1 vote
    7y
    Originally posted by @Andre' Arceneaux:

    @Angal Faria I didn't infer a timeframe, I mean .. AT ALL. As in .. literally, no call back at all. Days, weeks, all the same.

    Thanks for the reply.

    1Reply
  • Account Closed
    Real Estate Agent · Cleveland, OH · Member since 2019 · 359 posts · 295 votes
    7y

    @Andre' Arceneaux I made a post about this a little back and it was astonishing to see how much realtors dont respond (even to fellow agents like myself). not sure how they conduct business this way but good luck to you.

    2Reply
  • Russell BrazilBusiness Member
    Moderator
    Real Estate Agent · Washington, D.C. · Member since 2012 · 17k+ posts · 30k+ votes
    7y

    I always think these threads are interesting because I always get call backs and email backs. Maybe try hiting an agent since I have no issue with people getting back to me.

    [email protected]301-893-4635Podcast Guest on Show #192
    District Invest Group545 Reviews
    WebsiteView Page
    2Reply
  • Andre' Arceneaux
    OP
    Rental Property Investor · Orange County, CA · Member since 2019 · 151 posts · 92 votes
    7y

    @Chris Mason a few had offers, without response. One was inline with appraisal another actually met at the price point, as I was not concerned that the price was slightly elevated seeing the market revitalization happening.

    Many others, I presented myself as a very serious inquiry (a couple I contacted multiple times even after the initial no response - two still didn't respond).

    My first few contacted me back right away, one on particular, after 2- conversations and some DD- I made an offer that suited his long objective on the note he was writing and my short in being cash flow positive.

    One in Jacksonville, FL contacted me back a day later, even after she was in the process of changing the stat as the seller received an accepted cash offer hours before, I appreciated that.

    If feels like using a realtor may gain better results, if not making straight offers from the get go.

    Thanks for the answers, still learning. Appreciate it.

    0Reply
  • Andre' Arceneaux
    OP
    Rental Property Investor · Orange County, CA · Member since 2019 · 151 posts · 92 votes
    7y

    @Suny Capezzuto Agreed. Agent emailed me when I posted initially to encourage me, stating he's witnessed that many REs out there are "lazy". I'll keep on though. Thx again.

    0Reply
  • Frank Wong
    Real Estate Broker · Bay Area · Member since 2018 · 1k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    7y

    We are currently in a Seller's market and if you found a great deal and want it badly then there are probably 5+ buyers that want it too.  Some agents just don't have the time nor care to respond to a buyer inquiring about a property that is in the contract.  Their goal is to represent the seller and if the deal is in the contract their focus is on closing the deal.

    Should they respond? Yes, they should its the right thing to do.  I suggest texting the LA its much easier.  Everyone reads their texts. 

    2Reply
  • Andre' Arceneaux
    OP
    Rental Property Investor · Orange County, CA · Member since 2019 · 151 posts · 92 votes
    7y

    @Frank Wong - Makes sense. Thank you, I appreciate it.

    0Reply
Join the conversationCreate a free account to reply, vote on answers and follow this thread.
Log InJoin for Free